Police are appealing for witnesses after a footballer was racially abused following a match at Accrington Stanley.

The incident happened after the Reds lost 2-0 at the Crown Ground to Newport Town FC on Friday, March 27. It is believed that a spectator shouted a racist comment towards goalscorer Aaron O’Connor as he was walking off the pitch.

PC Mark Blackey, of the Hate Crime Cohesion Unit, said: “We will not tolerate any instances of racist behaviour and an investigation into what happened is under way. I would appeal to anyone who was at the match and may have any information that could assist with our investigation to get in touch with us.”

Accrington Stanley can confirm the club has received a complaint about an ‘alleged racist incident’ and all evidence is being passed to the police.

The club said: “The club has a zero-tolerance policy on racism and will always ban anyone found guilty of such behaviour from our stadium. Accrington Stanley would like to thank Newport County for their continued support in this matter.” Call police on 101 quoting log number LC-20150328-0510.